Government of Yukon
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FOR RELEASE #08-084
April 11, 2008
Yukoners Celebrate Education Week April 14-18
WHITEHORSE - Yukoners across the territory will be celebrating Education Week April 14-18. This year's theme is 'Opening Doors to Lifelong Learning'.
"Education opens doors to opportunities for individuals and strengthens communities," Education Minister Patrick Rouble said. "It's exciting to see just how many lifelong learning opportunities are available for Yukoners of all ages across the territory. I invite everyone to explore learning opportunities for themselves and their families during Education Week."
Throughout the week, the Department of Education and its partners will showcase the many excellent educational opportunities available to Yukoners. Public schools, First Nations, Yukon College campuses and other organizations that provide education to Yukoners will be showcasing their programs and services.
The purpose of Education Week is to create awareness of education opportunities available to Yukoners and to recognize the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in education in the territory.
For more information about Education Week activities in your community, visit Education's website at www.education.gov.yk.ca/education_week.html#calendar.
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Backgrounder: Education Week Calendar of Special Events
| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Michele Royle Communications, Education (867) 393-7102 michele.royle@gov.yk.ca |
Education Week Calendar of Special Events
Here are some things you can do with the Department of Education and our partners to celebrate Education Week:
Saturday, April 12
Yukon Literacy Coalition
Yukon Literacy Coalition will be hosting a free English as a Second Language (ESL) Student Roundtable, lunch, and Speaker’s Training at the Whitehorse Public Library beginning at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call Kerri at 668-6535 or e-mail communications.officer@northwestel.net.
Sunday, April 13
The Catholic Schools of Whitehorse
Christ the King Elementary, Holy Family Elementary and Vanier Catholic Secondary will be jointly hosting a Youth Mass at 11:15 a.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral (Corner of 4th and Steele). Following the mass, there will be an open house and reception downstairs in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Hall.
Yukon Literacy Coalition
The Yukon Literacy Coalition will hold a free Speaker’s Training workshop from 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the MacBride Museum’s Taylor and Drury Room. Lunch is included for those who register early. Topics include effective communications skills, vocal impact, body language awareness and speech writing. For more information, call Kerri at 668-6535 or e-mail communications.officer@northwestel.net.
Monday, April 14
Yukon College
Language Studies – Elijah Smith Building foyer 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
There will be an overview of Yukon college courses in English as a Second Language, (ESL), Spanish, Japanese, American Sign Language, Mandarin, German and registration information.
Tantalus School - Carmacks
The School Assembly, featuring the Takhini Dunena Ali Dancers and Drummers from Takhini Elementary School, is open to the public. This will take place at 10 a.m.
Tuesday, April 15
Selkirk Elementary School
Selkirk Elementary School will be hosting a Math Fair at 6:30 p.m. There will be prizes, draws, and lots of math! All are welcome to join the school at this community event.
Dawson City
Join in an Experiential Education Class Tr’ondek Hwech’in style! Meet at the gazebo on Front Street at 1 p.m. for an educational walk. Class runs until 2:30 p.m.
Tantalus School – Carmacks
There will be a technology education presentation at the School Council meeting at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Yukon College – Old Crow Campus
The College is hosting an Open House and book swap at the campus from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Door prizes have been donated by Dana Naye Ventures, Yukon Learn, and Yukon Literacy Coalition.
Yukon College – Whitehorse Campus
Wilderness First Aid – Sportslife at Hougen Centre (formerly Sportslodge), 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
There will be an overview of basic and advanced wilderness first aid courses available from the Yukon College and registration information.
Wednesday, April 16
Department of Education
Department of Education Open House: Everyone is welcome to attend the Department of Education building at 1000 Lewes Boulevard from 4 - 6 p.m. Staff will be present to share information about Public Schools and Advanced Education programs and services. You will also have an opportunity to browse the Permanent Collection of Student Art. Refreshments will be served.
St. Elias Community School - Haines Junction
Readers as Leaders - Invited guests from the community will come in to read their favourite books and talk about the reading they do for work.
Dawson City
Community Potluck and celebration of song and dance with the Takhini Dunena Ali youth dance group from Whitehorse and the Han Singers at the Tr’ondek Hwech’in Heritage Hall. Fun for the whole family! The main course is provided. Bring your favourite vegetable dish or salad. Don’t forget your moccasins and potlatch bag! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner. Performances start at 7 p.m.
Yukon College
Public Computer Training - Elijah Smith Building, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
There will be an overview of Yukon College courses offered and registration information.
Thursday, April 17
Yukon College
Community Programming in Trades – Canadian Tire, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
There will be an overview of all trades courses in continuing education, from GPS to basic home wiring, as well as registration information
Science Camp for Children – Elijah Smith Building foyer, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
There will be an overview of science and computer camps offered by the Yukon College to children ages 8 – 13 over the summer.
Alternate Learning Program Open House – Dawson City
Come visit the students and see their work at the Alternate Learning Program at the Youth Centre. Be sure to have a delicious smoothie on us while you visit. Drop in between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Takhini Elementary School
The Takhini Heartbeaters are hosting their annual Tea and Talent Show in the school gym from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. There will be a talent contest for students, as well as a skipping demonstration and a silent auction. Everyone is invited to attend. The cost is $4 per person or $15 per family.
Robert Service School - Dawson City
The Takhini Dunena Ali youth dancers from Takhini Elementary School will perform at the Robert Service School at 10:30 a.m. There will be a lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the gym, prepared by the Home Economics class and Skills Canada Club. Bring your favorite side dish!
Friday, April 18
Tantalus School - Carmacks
The community celebrates the official Grand Opening of the new Tantalus School with special activities from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The day begins with a math fair. At 11:30 a.m. Education Minister Patrick Rouble will attend for the ribbon cutting. At noon there will be a community lunch. Stick gambling begins at 1 p.m. School is dismissed early at 2 p.m.
Learning Disabilities Association of Yukon (LDAY) and Yukon Learn Society
These societies will jointly host their Education Week Open House from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Stop by their offices at 107 Main Street after school or work for some snacks and to learn about the great programs and services of LDAY and Yukon Learn! LDAY staff and tutors will be demonstrating assistive technology, screening a short film of the 2007 LDAY Youth Leadership Camp and the F.A.T. City video.
Yukon College
Leadership and Management – Elijah Smith Building foyer, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Overview of these courses in continuing education, and registration information.
Yukon Legislative Assembly
The Annual Youth Parliament will be holding its debates in the Chamber of the Yukon Legislative Assembly from 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. This event is the highlight of a three-day event in which youth from across the territory meet with government representatives and legislative staff to learn about how the Legislature works. The public is invited to attend and see tomorrow’s leader’s debate.
Sunday, April 20
Vanier Catholic Secondary will be hosting a Social Justice Fair in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Hall beginning at 12:30 p.m. (after the 11:15 a.m. mass). This fair contains projects and posters relating to individuals, groups or movements that serve to promote a more just society.
All week
Takhini Elementary School
The Takhini Dunena Ali drummers and dancers will be taking a northern tour to perform in Carmacks, Faro and Dawson. This involves 20 students, along with two staff and parent volunteers.
Tantalus School - Carmacks
The Tantalus School invites everyone to please drop by for a tour of the new school at any time during Education Week.
Chief Zzeh Gittlit School – Old Crow
The school, Vuntut Gwitch’in Government, Yukon College and the Department of Education are working together to coordinate daily events. Keep your eyes open for announcements! For more information, contact Patti Tetlichi at 966-3008.
Here are some things the Department of Education and its partners are doing to celebrate Education Week:
• On Monday, April 14, up to 60 Yukon delegates will meet at Vanier Catholic Secondary School to participate in the first Pan-Canadian Interactive Literacy Forum, coordinated by the Council of Ministers of Education. The forum will be presented by web cast starting at 7 a.m. Education Minister Patrick Rouble will officially open Yukon's Forum at 9:30 a.m. Media are invited to attend on Monday morning between 7:15 a.m. and 10 a.m. at Vanier Catholic Secondary School. The early start accommodates participants in all of Canada's time zones.
• Representatives of school councils across the territory will be meeting during Education Week at the Spring Conference. The theme is 'Safe & Healthy Schools = Success in Learning,' with a focus on topics to help students and the community be healthy and successful in their lifelong learning endeavours.
Here are some special events Yukon students are enjoying during Education Week:
• Takhini Elementary School Students Grade 2 and Grade 5 classes will be traveling to Swan Haven to view the return of the swans to the territory. The Takhini Heartbeaters skipping team will visit Christ the King Elementary School to give them a demonstration on Tuesday, April 15. Badminton players will be taking part in the annual Elementary Badminton tournament on Friday, April 18.
• At Tantalus School in Carmacks, Lillian Loponen, a professional artist, will be giving workshops on digital media for students throughout the week. Dean Tower will be giving violin lessons to students. Students will take part in Literacy through Music workshops with Michael Brooks.
• Christ the King Elementary School will be celebrating with a New Life Celebration, a wrestling tournament, and enjoying the Takhini Heartbeaters. Primary and intermediate choirs will perform at the Rotary Music Festival.